Suzanne Carmichael for Hopkinton, NH School Board 2025

About Me

As a New Hampshire native and long-time resident of Contoocook, I have spent over twenty years immersed in the Hopkinton school community.

My husband, Scott, an Army veteran, and I raised our daughter, Madison, within the Hopkinton school system, where I witnessed firsthand the importance of strong, supportive schools in shaping our children’s futures.

I am now seeking the opportunity to serve our community by running for a seat on the Hopkinton School Board.

With more than 25 years of experience in the field of education, I have a deep understanding of both the opportunities and challenges within our school system.

In addition to my career in education, I have spent over 30 years actively volunteering throughout NH. I have served in numerous leadership roles, including on state-wide nonprofit boards where I was responsible for overseeing and ensuring the effective stewardship of financial resources.

I also bring more than 15 years of contract negotiation experience to the table, which will help ensure that we make thoughtful, balanced decisions that are sustainable for our schools and town residents.

Throughout my time in Contoocook, I’ve been involved in various local organizations, including Girl Scouts, HYSA, PTA and Booster Club. These roles have allowed me to engage directly with families and students.

I am eager to meet the next generation of Hawks and their families, and pledge to listen to their needs and advocate for a positive and inclusive community atmosphere.

ELECTION DAY INFORMATION

Election Day is Tuesday, March 11, 2025
Voting Location: Hopkinton Middle/High School Gymnasium, 297 Park Avenue, Contoocook
Hours: 7 am - 7 pm

Why I'm Running for School Board

I am running for the Hopkinton School Board for several key reasons:

•To give back to the Hopkinton community that has supported my family for over two decades. Service to others has always been a core value for me, and I find myself able to dedicate my time and energy to improving Hopkinton’s schools.

•To promote compromise and stability in ensuring that our schools are well-funded while being mindful of the financial burdens on residents. I believe it is crucial to strike a balance between the needs of our schools and the ability of our community to incur those costs. My master’s degree in organizational culture and climate has prepared me to facilitate difficult conversations.

•To use my experience as a veteran educator as well as an experienced board member to approach the challenges our schools face in the changing landscape of public education.

I will use my previous board experiences to bring a consensus-building approach to decision making. I am committed to improving transparency and effective communication. I believe in listening to all voices and working together to meet the interests of all stakeholders—students, community members and educators, alike.

Thank you for considering me as your candidate for Hopkinton School Board.

I look forward to the opportunity to serve our community and continue to strengthen the exceptional education that Hopkinton schools provide.

Suzanne

Carmichael